Method and Apparatus for Time-based Mediation of Wireless Communications

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for time-based mediation of wireless communications is provided to a user of a wireless communications device. The method involves determining local time information associated with the recipient communication device in response to a user-initiated contact function; determining a mediation condition based at least in part on said local time information; and if the mediation condition satisfies a predetermined criterion: providing, to a user of the wireless communication device, an indication of said mediation condition; presenting, to said user, a menu of two or more options for contacting the recipient communication device using the wireless communication device; and initiating communication in accordance with an option selected from said menu. The method can be implemented on an apparatus such as a wireless communication device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/820,016 filed on Jun. 21, 2010. The forgoingapplication is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to mobile electronic devicesand, in particular, to a method and apparatus for time-based mediationof wireless communications.

BACKGROUND

Mobile wireless communication devices such as cellular telephones,handheld PDAs, and the like, allow users to communicate using voice,text messaging, email, instant messaging, or the like. Furthermore,mobile devices may be capable of operation in many regions around theworld, allowing users to travel and stay in contact using a singlemobile device.

Telephone etiquette and limitations on availability of a recipient toreceive or respond to a sender's message or request for communicationmay complicate communication attempts, or even undesirably disturb apotential call recipient if a call is placed at an inappropriate time.This problem is further complicated when the sender and recipient are indifferent time zones, particularly when the sender is not aware of therecipient's time zone.

Therefore there is a need for a method and apparatus for time-basedmediation of wireless communications that is not subject to one or morelimitations of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present technology will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in combinationwith the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a method for facilitating communication between awireless communication device and a recipient communication device, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for facilitating communication between awireless communication device and a recipient communication device, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an automatic communication session between a wirelesscommunication device and a recipient communication device, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a menu of options for contacting a recipientcommunication device, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates another menu of options for contacting a recipientcommunication device, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary wirelesscommunications device;

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like featuresare identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology generally provides a method, wirelesscommunication device and computer program product for time-basedmediation of wireless communications.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present technology is a method forfacilitating communication between a wireless communication device and arecipient communication device. The method comprises determining localtime information associated with the recipient communication device inresponse to a user-initiated contact function. The user-initiatedcontact function may be generated in response to an action, performed ona user interface module of the wireless communication device, forinitiating a voice call by dialling a number, selecting an option froman address book to dial, text, email, or otherwise contact a recipient,pressing a speed-dial key, or the like. The local time information maybe indicative of a time zone difference between the wirelesscommunication device and the recipient communication device, a currentlocal time of the recipient communication device, or a combinationthereof.

The method further comprises determining a mediation condition based atleast in part on said local time information. The mediation conditionmay be, for example, indicative of whether said local time informationis within an appropriate range for contacting the recipientcommunication device using one or more communication modes. Themediation condition may be further indicative of one or more ranges ofappropriate times for contacting the recipient communication device,each of said one or more ranges associated with a different set of oneor more communication modes.

The method further comprises determining if the mediation conditionsatisfies a predetermined criterion, and if so, providing, to a user ofthe wireless communication device, an indication of said mediationcondition; presenting, to said user, a menu of two or more options forcontacting the recipient communication device using the wirelesscommunication device; and initiating communication in accordance with anoption selected from said menu. For example, in some embodiments, theoptions may include an option for contacting the recipient communicationdevice using a voice-based communication mode and an option forcontacting the recipient communication device using a data-basedcommunication mode. In some embodiments, the options may include anoption for scheduling contact with the recipient communication device ata future time. Communication may be performed via a wirelesscommunication module of the wireless communication device, via anexisting communication network.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises initiating anautomatic communication session between the wireless communicationdevice and the recipient communication device, and determining at leastone of said local time information and said mediation condition based atleast in part on data exchanged during the automatic communicationsession. The automatic communication session may be a machine-to-machinesession which takes place prior to user-to-user communication. Theautomatic communication session may occur along with other call set-upprocedures, for example.

Another aspect of the present technology is a computer program productcomprising code adapted to perform acts associated with the foregoingmethod when the code is loaded into memory and executed on a processorof a wireless communications device.

Yet another aspect of the present technology is a wireless communicationdevice comprising a user interface module and a mediation module. Thewireless communication device can further include a wirelesscommunication module in operative association with the user interfaceand the mediation module.

The user interface module of the wireless communication device isconfigured to initiate a contact function in response to user input, thecontact function for initiating contact with an indicated recipientcommunication device. The contact function may be a signal indicative ofa user operation to select a recipient device corresponding to a contactfrom an address book, a dialled telephone number, an input emailaddress, a speed-dial button, or the like. The user interface module maybe associated with components of the wireless communication device, suchas an input user interface, a processor, and memory locations containinginstructions for performing operations of the user interface module.

The mediation module of the wireless communication device is configuredto: determine, in response to the contact function, local timeinformation associated with the recipient communication device;determine a mediation condition based in part on said local timeinformation; and if the mediation condition satisfies a predeterminedcriterion, provide, via the user interface module, an indication of saidmediation condition; present, via the user interface module, a menu oftwo or more options for contacting the recipient communication device;and initiate communication in accordance with an option selected fromsaid menu. The mediation module may be further configured to operatesubstantially in accordance with one or more methods as describedherein. The mediation module may be associated with components of thewireless communication device, such as a processor and memory locationscontaining instructions for performing operations of the mediationmodule.

The wireless communication module of the wireless communication deviceis configured to perform communication in accordance with the selectedoption. The wireless communication module is further configured tosupport at least one voice-based communication mode and at least onedata-based communication mode. The wireless communication module may beassociated with at least a wireless transceiver of the wirelesscommunication device, and components associated therewith.

The details and particulars of these aspects of the technology will nowbe described below, by way of example, with reference to the attacheddrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 for facilitating communication between awireless communication device and a recipient communication device. Themethod 100 comprises determining local time information 110 associatedwith the recipient communication device in response to a user-initiatedcontact function 115. The method 100 further comprises determining amediation condition 120 based at least in part on said local timeinformation 110. The method 100 further comprises determining 130 if themediation condition satisfies a predetermined condition, and, if so,initiating and responding to a user dialog 150, otherwise, initiating acommunication action 140 specified by the user-initiated contactfunction 115. The user dialog 150 comprises providing an indication 155of the mediation condition to a user of the wireless communicationdevice, for example as an alert via a user interface of the wirelesscommunication device. The user dialog 150 further comprises presentingto the user a menu 160 of two or more options for contacting therecipient communication device. The method 100 further comprises, inresponse to the user dialog 150, initiating a communication action 170in accordance with an option selected from the menu 160.

Embodiments of the present invention may facilitate an improveduser-to-user communication experience, by mediating modes ofcommunication between communication device users, timing ofcommunication between such users, or a combination thereof. For example,in some embodiments, when a user attempts to initiate a voice call to arecipient via a wireless communication device operating in accordancewith the present invention, a current local time of the recipient isautomatically determined, as are a set of preferences regardingappropriate times for contacting the recipient via voice and possiblyvia one or more other communication modes, such as text messaging oremail. The current local time and set of preferences may be determinedby direct communication with the recipient communication device, or byanother method.

The set of preferences may include preferences of one or both users, andmay depend on other information such as the identities of the partiesinvolved. From this information, a mediation condition is determined,which indicates whether the recipient's current local time isappropriate for accepting a voice call. The mediation condition mayoptionally include other information such as whether the recipient'scurrent local time is appropriate for some other mode of communication,a schedule or range of appropriate times for contacting the recipientusing one or more communication modes, or a combination thereof, or thelike. If the time is appropriate, the call can proceed. Otherwise, theinitiating user is alerted that the call is currently inappropriate, andgiven a choice of whether to proceed, selects an alternativecommunication mode, or schedule a communication at a future time.

Embodiments of the present invention may enhance user experience byproviding a sufficient choice of options for appropriately contacting arecipient. For example, if the current local time of the recipient iswithin a “do not disturb” range, for example indicative of the recipientbeing busy or asleep, then the present invention facilitates a choice tosend an email to the recipient instead, which is less likely to disturbthe recipient, or to schedule a reminder to call back the recipient at afuture time.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a wireless communication device comprising: a user interfacemodule configured to initiate a contact function in response to userinput; a wireless communication module operatively coupled to the userinterface module, the wireless communication module configured toinitiate contact with a recipient communication device in response tothe contact function; a mediation module operatively coupled to the userinterface module and the wireless communication module, the mediationmodule configured to: initiate an automatic communication session withthe contacted recipient communication device; determine a mediationcondition based at least in part on data exchanged during the automaticcommunication session, the mediation condition further based in part oninformation regarding local time of the recipient communication device;and if the mediation condition satisfies a predetermined criterion,provide, via the user interface module, an indication of said mediationcondition; present, via the user interface module, a menu of two or moreoptions for communication with the recipient communication device; andinitiate a communication action in accordance with an option selectedfrom said menu.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for facilitating communication between a wirelesscommunication device and a recipient communication device, the methodcomprising: initiating an automatic communication session between thewireless communication device and the recipient communication device inresponse to a user-initiated contact function; determining a mediationcondition based at least in part on data exchanged during the automaticcommunication session, the mediation condition further based in part oninformation regarding local time of the recipient communication device;and if the mediation condition satisfies a predetermined criterion:providing, to a user of the wireless communication device, an indicationof said mediation condition; presenting, to said user, a menu of two ormore options for communication between the wireless communication deviceand the recipient communication device; and initiating a communicationaction in accordance with an option selected from said menu.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for facilitating communication between awireless communication device and a recipient communication device. Themethod 200 comprises initiating an automatic communication session 210between the wireless communication device and the recipientcommunication device in response to a user-initiated contact function215. The method 200 further comprises determining 220 a mediationcondition based at least in part on data exchanged during the automaticcommunication session. The mediation condition is based in part oninformation regarding local time of the recipient communication device,such as a time zone or local time thereof, or both. The method 200further comprises determining 230 if the mediation condition satisfies apredetermined condition, and, if so, initiating and responding to a userdialog 250, otherwise, initiating a communication action 240 specifiedby the user-initiated contact function 215. The user dialog 250comprises providing an indication 255 of the mediation condition to auser of the wireless communication device, for example as an alert via auser interface of the wireless communication device. The user dialog 250further comprises presenting to the user a menu 260 of two or moreoptions for communication between the wireless communication device andthe recipient communication device. The method 200 further comprises, inresponse to the user dialog 250, initiating a communication action 270in accordance with an option selected from the menu 260.

Local Time Information

The present invention relates to time-based mediation of wirelesscommunications, and thus involves determining local time information ofa recipient communication device to be contacted. For example the localtime information may be indicative of a current local time of therecipient communication device in their current part of the world, atime zone in which the recipient communication device currently resides,a time zone difference between the sending wireless communication deviceand the recipient communication device, or the like, or a combinationthereof. As used herein, the term “sending wireless communicationdevice” refers to a wireless communication device from which contactwith the recipient communication device is initiated. The term “sender”refers to a user of the sending wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, determining local time information comprisesautomatically communicating with the recipient communication device toretrieve information such as a current local time or a time zonethereof, or both.

In some embodiments, determining local time information comprisesdetermining a time zone difference between the sending wirelesscommunication device and the recipient communication device, for exampleby determining a first time zone value indicative of a time zone of thesending wireless communication device and a second time zone valueindicative of a time zone of the recipient communication device,subtracting the first time zone value from the second time zone value orvice-versa. In some embodiments, a time zone associated with a devicemay be determined by user input, by reading a setting of the device, byreceiving and interpreting a signal indicative of current time or timezone indicator from a base station, or the like.

In some embodiments, a time zone difference between two devices may bedetermined by subtracting current times of the two devices, for exampleobtained from time-of-day clocks aboard each device.

In some embodiments, determining local time information comprisesdetermining a current local time of the recipient communication deviceby reading a current clock time stored in the sending wirelesscommunication device and adding a time zone difference to the clocktime.

In some embodiments, determining local time information comprisesdetermining a time zone of the recipient communication device associatedwith an area code, country code, or a combination thereof, of atelephone number of the recipient communication device. For example,area codes, country codes, and time zones associated therewith may bestored in a lookup table stored in the sending wireless communicationdevice, and a time zone of a dialled recipient device may automaticallybe generated by a lookup operation following dialling. Given therecipient time zone, a time zone difference may be determined bysubtracting a value representing the time zone of the sending wirelesscommunication device from a value representing the recipient time zone.Current local time of the recipient communication device may bedetermined by adding a time zone difference to the current local time ofthe sending wireless communication device. In some embodiments, adetermination of whether the recipient communication device is notroaming or is incapable of roaming may be performed so as to validatethe assumption that the dialled area code and country code are reliableindicators of time zone.

Determining local time information of a recipient communication devicebased on area code and country code may be performed without requiringautomatic communication. This may facilitate operation of the presentinvention in situations where the recipient communication device is notconfigured to participate in automatic communication operations asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, determining local time information comprisesdetermining roaming information indicative of current location and timezone of a roaming recipient communication device. Roaming informationmay be stored on one or more servers of communication service providers,such as home location registers or visitor location registers.

Mediation Condition

The present invention relates to determining a mediation condition basedin part on the determined local time information associated with therecipient communication device. The mediation condition generallyrelates to appropriateness of different modes of communication betweenspecified users at different times. For example, the mediation conditionmay be indicative of at least whether obtained local time information,such as current local time, is within an appropriate range forcontacting the recipient communication device from the sending wirelesscommunication device using one or more specified communication modes.

In some embodiments, the mediation condition is indicative of one ormore ranges of appropriate times for contacting the recipientcommunication device from the sending wireless communication device,each of said one or more ranges associated with a different set of oneor more communication modes. For example, the determined mediationcondition may comprise a schedule of times when it is appropriate forboth users of both sending and recipient devices to communicate using amode such as voice, text, instant messaging, email, or the like.

In some embodiments, determining a mediation condition comprisesintersecting a first range of appropriate times for initiatingcommunication in a predetermined mode with a second range of appropriatetimes for receiving communication in said mode. The first range ofappropriate times may be stored on the sending wireless communicationdevice, and the second range of appropriate times may be stored on therecipient communication device. Intersecting the two ranges results in arange or schedule of mutually appropriate times for communicating in thepredetermined mode. Determining the mediation condition may compriseperforming such intersection operations for plural communication modes.

The mediation condition may depend on one or more other factors, such asan identified relationship between the calling party and the calledparty. For example, when contact is initiated between close familymembers, the range of appropriate times may be different than whencontact is initiated between business associates, or between an employerand employee. Ranges of appropriate times for different communicationmodes may be customized according to identity of calling and calledparties, relationships therebetween, or the like. Mediation conditions,designating appropriate time ranges for initiating or receivingcommunication in a specified mode, may therefore depend on apredetermined relationship between users or devices involved in thepending communication.

In some embodiments, the mediation condition may indicate degrees towhich a specified communication mode is appropriate at a specified time.For example, in addition to indicating whether a communication mode andtime is appropriate or inappropriate, the mediation condition mayindicate that the communication mode and time is slightly appropriate orinappropriate, somewhat appropriate or inappropriate, or highlyappropriate or inappropriate. Appropriateness may alternatively bedesignated as desirability, acceptability, preferability, or the like.

Automatic Communication Session

In some embodiments, determining local time information, determining amediation condition, or both, is based at least in part on dataexchanged during an automatic communication session, which is initiatedin response to a user-initiated contact function and occurs prior touser-to-user communication. The automatic communication session mayoccur as machine-to-machine communication between the sending wirelesscommunication device and the recipient communication device during aninitial call set-up phase, before user-to-user communication occurs, forexample.

For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an automatic communication session 300for determining local time information associated with the recipientcommunication device and a mediation condition based in part thereon.During the session 300, the sending wireless communication device 305sends a contact message 310 to the recipient communication device 307,the contact message 310 indicative of a desired communication mode to beused, such as voice, data, or the like. In some embodiments, if thecommunication is scheduled in the future, the contact message 310 mayalso include an indication of a proposed time of the communication.

The recipient 307 receives the contact message 310 and makes adetermination of whether the desired communication mode is appropriateat the current or proposed future time. The recipient 307 then sends acontact response message 315 to the sending device 305. If communicationin the desired mode is appropriate at the relevant current or proposedfuture time, then the contact response message 315 indicates same, andthe sending device 305 may proceed with the communication. Otherwise,the contact response message may contain one or more ranges of timeswhen communication in the desired is appropriate, possibly along with anindication of which other communication modes are currently appropriate,or ranges of times during which other communication modes areappropriate, or both.

Upon receipt of a contact response message 315, the sending device 305may, if the contact response message 315 indicates that communication inthe desired mode is not appropriate at the relevant time, compute amediation condition 320, for example comprising a schedule ofappropriate alternative times, communication modes, or a combinationthereof. A user dialog 330, comprising an alert and menu may then bepresented to a user of the sending device, providing options forcontacting the recipient 307, for example by overriding the preferencescommunicated by the recipient or by scheduling or contacting therecipient in an alternative mode or at an alternative time.

In some embodiments, the present invention may be configured tosubstantially inhibit mediation in certain conditions, for example dueto initiation of emergency 911 calls, calls to or from contacts on apredetermined “VIP” list, calls from unknown contacts, or the like. Forexample, a recipient device may be configured so as not to reveal itscurrent time zone to unknown wireless communication devices, therebyinhibiting release of information which could otherwise be misused, forexample to break in to the recipient's house when they are away.

User Dialog

Embodiments of the present invention comprise interfacing, whenappropriate, with a user of a sending wireless communication device in auser dialog. For example, the user dialog may comprise communicating,via a user interface module, an indication of said mediation condition,and presenting, via the user interface module, a menu of two or moreoptions for contacting the recipient communication device.

The user dialog is configured to appear if the mediation conditionsatisfies a predetermined criterion, such as a proposed communicationmode and time being undesirable to the sending device, the recipientdevice, or both. The user dialog may comprise an alert, such as avisual, text or audio alert. For example, the alert may indicate: “Thecurrent local time of the party you are trying to contact is 3 am. Doyou want to continue with this call?” The user may then be able tochoose an option to continue the call regardless of the mediationcondition, thereby overriding mediation, or to choose an alternativecontact method.

The user dialog may comprise an interactive menu for selecting analternative communication mode, scheduling an alternative time forcommunication, or a combination thereof. For example, if the userselects an option to choose an alternative contact method, aninteractive menu for selecting an alternative communication mode andoptionally scheduling an alternative time may be presented via a displayscreen, and responsive to user input from an input interface such askeypad, touchscreen, voice command input, or the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates a menu, presented via a user interface, for userselection of an alternative communication mode, scheduled communicationtime, or both. A main menu 410 is presented, listing options forselecting a potential communication mode such as a voice call 412, textmessaging 414, instant messaging 416, and email 418. The menu includesvirtual buttons 420 which can be navigated by the user, for example viaa touchscreen, keypad or the like, to select a desired option. Asillustrated, for each potential communication mode, a first virtualbutton is provided for immediately initiating a selected communicationmode, for example button 422 for text messaging. A second virtual buttonis also provided which leads to a scheduling sub-menu 440, where theuser can interactively schedule a future time for initiating theselected communication mode, for example button 424 for text messaging.In some embodiments, buttons may be greyed out if they are notavailable. For example, button 426 for immediately establishing a voicecall may be greyed out if it is not appropriate to establish a voicecall at the current time.

A virtual button 432 may also be provided for sorting the menu itemsfrom most appropriate to least appropriate in accordance with apredetermined criterion. A virtual button 434 may also be provided forsorting the menu items, placing sooner available communication modeshigher up the list of options.

FIG. 4 further illustrates a scheduling sub-menu 440. The sub-menugraphically illustrates time ranges during which it is appropriate touse a selected communication mode, in accordance with informationcontained in the determined mediation condition, for example. A cursor445 is movable along a timeline 447 to a point representative of adesired scheduled time for contacting the recipient communication devicein the selected communication mode. A first bar 452, parallel to thetimeline 447, illustrates ranges of times during which use of theselected communication mode is appropriate according to preferences ofthe sending wireless communication device. A second bar 454, parallel tothe timeline 447, illustrates ranges of times during which use of theselected communication mode is appropriate according to preferences ofthe recipient communication device. The first bar 452 and the second bar454 may be determined by the mediation condition. In some embodiments,the cursor may be restricted to regions of the timeline 447 spanned byone or both of the first bar 452 and the second bar 454. Suchrestriction may be turned on or off by pressing a virtual button orother means. In some embodiments, other virtual buttons may be provided,for example to go back to a previous menu 456, to scroll to future timeranges 458, or to switch between selected modes 459, or the like.

To aid the user in determining an appropriate communication mode, time,or both, the menu may graphically display an indication of usefulinformation, such as information conveyed in the mediation condition.For example, the menu may comprise a graphical representation ofappropriate contact time ranges for each of a plurality of communicationmodes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a menu comprising a graphical representation ofappropriate contact time ranges for each of a plurality of communicationmodes. A cursor 510 is presented on a screen and movable by user inputboth vertically and horizontally. The vertical position of the cursor510 corresponds to a desired communication mode, such as voice 522, text524 or email 526. The horizontal position of the cursor 510 correspondsto a desired time for performing or scheduling the communication,relative to a timeline 530. For each communication mode, a pair of barsis displayed, indicating appropriate time ranges for contacting therecipient in a corresponding communication mode. As illustrated, thenarrow bars 542 a, 542 b and 542 c represent appropriate times specifiedby the recipient communication device, and the wide bars 544 a, 544 band 544 c represent appropriate times specified by the sendingcommunication device. These appropriate times may correspond to timesindicated by the mediation condition. The shaded intersections of thenarrow bars and the wide bars represent times which are mutuallyappropriate to both sender and recipient. User controls for rescalingthe menu, scrolling horizontally or vertically, restricting orunrestricting the cursor to appropriate times, or the like, may also beprovided.

Embodiments of the present invention may include processing operationsto aid the user in determining an appropriate communication mode, time,or both. For example, processing operations may be configured to displaymenu items in order from most desirable to least desirable, for examplebased on previous user choices, preferences set in the sending wirelesscommunication device, preferences set in the recipient communicationdevice, time of day, relationship between sender and recipient users, orthe like.

A communication operation is initiated based on outcome of the userdialog, for example in accordance with an option selected from the menu.For example, communication in a selected communication mode may beinitiated immediately, or if the user has selected an option to schedulethe communication at a selected future time, a contact function forinitiating contact with the recipient communication device in a selectedmode may be scheduled to occur at the selected future time. Schedulingof a contact function may be performed by storing a trigger in memory,which automatically initiates the scheduled contact function when aninternal clock of the sending wireless communication device reaches thescheduled time. Scheduling of a contact function may be performed bystoring a callback reminder in memory, which automatically prompts theuser to initiate the selected contact function when an internal clock ofthe sending wireless communication device reaches the scheduled time.

Computer Program Product

Acts associated with the method described herein can be implemented ascoded instructions in a computer program product. In other words, thecomputer program product is a computer-readable medium upon whichsoftware code is recorded to execute the method when the computerprogram product is loaded into memory and executed on the microprocessorof the wireless communications device.

Acts associated with the method described herein can be implemented ascoded instructions in plural computer program products. For example, afirst portion of the method may be performed using one mobile electronicdevice, and a second portion of the method may be performed usinganother mobile electronic device. In this case, each computer programproduct is a computer-readable medium upon which software code isrecorded to execute appropriate portions of the method when a computerprogram product is loaded into memory and executed on the microprocessorof a wireless communications device.

Wireless Communication Device

The method described herein can be implemented on a wirelesscommunication device having appropriate communication capabilities, suchas voice communication capabilities, data communication capabilities, ora combination thereof. The term “wireless communication device,” for thepurposes of this specification, shall include any wireless handheld,smart phone, PDA, tablet, laptop, netbook, or other communication devicethat is capable of transmission and reception of data via a wirelesscommunication medium such as radio.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting certain main components of anexemplary wireless communications device 600. It should be understoodthat this figure is intentionally simplified to show only certaincomponents; the device 600 may include other components beyond thoseshown in FIG. 2. The device 600 includes a microprocessor 602 (or simplya “processor”) which interacts with memory in the form of RAM 604 andflash memory 606 to enable a variety of device functions and to executean operating system for running software applications loaded on thedevice, including functions of the mediation module. The device 600includes a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver 608 for communicatingwirelessly with a base station 665 of a wireless network 660, oralternatively or additionally for communicating directly with anotherpeer device such as a wireless communication device, for example as mayoccur in some ad-hoc networks. The base station 665 may be a cellularbase station, wireless access point, or the like. The base station 665may change as the wireless device travels. The RF transceiver includes awireless communication channel for transmitting and receiving data. TheRF transceiver may further include a wireless voice channel fortransmitting and receiving voice communications, for exampleconcurrently with transmission and reception of data over the same or aseparate logical or physical channel.

The device 600 optionally includes a GPS receiver chipset 610 forreceiving GPS radio signals transmitted from one or more orbiting GPSsatellites 670. The GPS receiver chipset 610 can be embedded within thedevice or externally connected, such as, for example, a “Bluetooth” GPSpuck or dongle. Other positioning systems may also be used in place ofGPS, as would be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art.

In terms of input/output devices or user interfaces (UI's), the device600 typically includes a display 612 (e.g. a small LCD screen), athumbwheel and/or trackball 614, a keyboard 616, a USB 618 or serialport for connecting to peripheral equipment, a speaker 620 and amicrophone 622. The device's display 612 may optionally include atouchscreen input device. A user interface module may comprise one ormore user interfaces along with appropriate processing capabilitiesusing a microprocessor, or the like, the user interface moduleconfigured in a predetermined manner.

The wireless communication device 600 sends and receives communicationsignals via the RF transceiver 608. A wireless communication module,including the RF transceiver 608 and components or portions thereofoperatively coupled to the RF transceiver 608, is provided forcontacting and communicating with other devices via a wireless network.When communicating wirelessly with a base station 665 of a wirelessnetwork 660, the device 600 may communicate in accordance with one ormore appropriate technologies such as: Global Systems for Mobilecommunications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) technologies, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), whether 2G,3G, High speed packet access (E-SPA), Universal Mobile TelecommunicationSystem (UMTS) based technologies, Long Term Evolution (LTE)technologies, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)technologies, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies, WiFi or WiMAXtechnologies, or other communication technologies and protocols as wouldreadily be understood by a worker skilled in the art. In someembodiments, the wireless device 600 may be capable of operation usingmultiple protocols. The base station 665 may be part of a wirelessnetwork, such as a cellular network, local-area network, wide-areanetwork, wireless hotspot network, or the like. The wireless device,base station, network components, and the like, may be configured fordata communication, voice communication, or a combination thereof,possibly using additional components, configurations and procedureswhere appropriate, such as SIM cards, authorization and authenticationprocedures, handoff procedures, and the like, as would be readilyunderstood by a worker skilled in the art.

Although in some implementations of the present technology GPS receiversare used to determine the current location of each device, it should beappreciated that other techniques can be used to determine the currentlocation to a degree of accuracy commensurate with the technique used.For example, cell tower triangulation or radiolocation techniques, asmentioned above, can be used to generate the current location for thedevice. Alternatively, the identity (and location) of the cell towerhandling the device's communications can be used as a proxy for thelocation of the device. Another approach would be to prompt the user ofthe device to enter his or her current location, for example by enteringa street address, picking a POI from a map, or selecting the currentlocation using crosshairs on a map. As yet another example, GlobalNavigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) or pseudo-satellite systems otherthan or in addition to the currently deployed GPS system may be used.For example, GLONASS, Beidou, COMPASS, Galileo, or like systems may beutilized for positioning. Satellite-based, regional, or network-basedaugmentation or improvement systems such as WAAS and A-GPS may also beutilized to aid in positioning.

This new technology has been described in terms of specificimplementations and configurations (and variants thereof) which areintended to be exemplary only. The scope of the exclusive right soughtby the applicant is therefore intended to be limited solely by theappended claims.

1. A wireless communication device comprising a processor and a memory,the wireless communication device configured to: initiate acommunication session with a designated recipient communication deviceduring a call set-up phase between the communication device and therecipient communication device; determine a mediation condition based atleast in part on data exchanged during the communication session, themediation condition further based at least in part on local timeinformation associated with the recipient communication device; providean indication of said mediation condition to a user; present two or moreoptions for contacting the recipient communication device to the userwhen the mediation condition satisfies a predetermined condition; andinitiate communication in accordance with a user-selected one of the twoor more options.
 2. The wireless communication device according to claim1, wherein the two or more options include an option for contacting therecipient communication device using a voice-based communication modeand an option for contacting the recipient communication device using adata-based communication mode
 3. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the two or more options include an optionfor scheduling contact with the recipient communication device at afuture time.
 4. The wireless communication device according to claim 1,wherein one of the two or more options is to proceed to initiatecommunication regardless of the mediation condition.
 5. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 1, wherein the local timeinformation is selected from the group consisting of: a time zonedifference between the wireless communication device and the recipientcommunication device, and a current local time of the recipientcommunication device.
 6. The wireless communication device according toclaim 1, wherein the mediation condition is indicative of whether saidlocal time information is within an appropriate range for contacting therecipient communication device using one or more communication modes. 7.The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein themediation condition is further indicative of a first range ofappropriate times for contacting the recipient communication device in afirst communication mode, and a second range of appropriate times forcontacting the recipient communication device in a second communicationmode.
 8. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, whereindetermining said mediation condition is further based on an identifiedrelationship between a user of the wireless communication device and auser of the recipient communication device.
 9. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 1, wherein the determinedmediation condition comprises a schedule of appropriate times forcontacting the recipient communication device using one or morespecified communication modes.
 10. The wireless communication deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein determining the mediation condition isinhibited in one or more predetermined circumstances.
 11. The wirelesscommunication device according to claim 10, wherein the one or morepredetermined circumstances is selected from the group consisting of anemergency 911 call, a call from a predetermined VIP contact and a callfrom an unknown contact.
 12. A method for facilitating communicationbetween a wireless communication device and a recipient communicationdevice, the method comprising: initiating a communication sessionbetween the wireless communication device and the recipientcommunication device during a call set-up phase; determining a mediationcondition based at least in part on data exchanged during thecommunication session, the mediation condition based at least in part onlocal time information associated with the recipient communicationdevice; providing an indication of said mediation condition to a user ofthe communication device; presenting two or more options for contactingthe recipient communication device to the user when the mediationcondition satisfies a predetermined condition; and initiatingcommunication in accordance with a user-selected one of the two or moreoptions.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the two or moreoptions include an option for scheduling contact with the recipientcommunication device at a future time.
 14. The method according to claim12, wherein one of the two or more options is to proceed to initiatecommunication regardless of the mediation condition.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the local time information is selectedfrom the group consisting of: a time zone difference between thewireless communication device and the recipient communication device,and a current local time of the recipient communication device.
 16. Themethod according to claim 12, wherein the mediation condition isindicative of whether said local time information is within anappropriate range for contacting the recipient communication deviceusing one or more communication modes.
 17. The method according to claim12, wherein the mediation condition is further indicative of a firstrange of appropriate times for contacting the recipient communicationdevice in a first communication mode, and a second range of appropriatetimes for contacting the recipient communication device in a secondcommunication mode.
 18. The method according to claim 12, whereindetermining said mediation condition is further based on an identifiedrelationship between a user of the wireless communication device and auser of the recipient communication device.
 19. The method according toclaim 12, wherein determining the mediation condition is inhibited inone or more predetermined circumstances.
 20. The method according toclaim 19 wherein the one or more predetermined circumstances is selectedfrom the group consisting of an emergency 911 call, a call from apredetermined VIP contact and a call from an unknown contact.
 21. Acomputer program product comprising code which, when loaded into memoryand executed on a processor of a wireless communications device, isadapted to: initiate a communication session between the wirelesscommunication device and the recipient communication device during acall set-up phase; determine a mediation condition based at least inpart on data exchanged during the communication session, the mediationcondition based at least in part on local time information associatedwith the recipient communication device; provide an indication of saidmediation condition to a user of the communication device; present twoor more options for contacting the recipient communication device to theuser when the mediation condition satisfies a predetermined condition;and initiate communication in accordance with a user-selected one of thetwo or more options.